1938

Manhattan: Centre Street - Leonard Street

Centre Street, west side, from Leonard, across Franklin to White Streets, showing at that location the Tombs and the Criminal Courts Bldg., joined by the "Bridge of Sighs". These are to be replaced by modern structures which will be erected in the near future on the cleared lands seen in the foreground. An article on same appears in the New York Times of August 1, 1938 on page 21. The photographers vantage point is on Baxter Street, viewing westward from Leonard St (in No. 1), between Leonard and Franklin Streets. The new Criminal Courts Bldg. and city prison will cost $18,500,000. of which the P.W.A. will supply $10,175,000. It will have four wings; the northerly unit, containing the 16 story prison building will be separated from the courts by an open courtyard. A 17 story structure, providing for Magistrate, Special and General sessions and Supreme Courts with their staffs, will also house 28 court rooms, two grand jury rooms and four floors of offices for the District Attorney and have its main entrance on Center Street. P. L. Sperr June 12, 1938. Views 1, 2 and 3.

Photo from the New York Public Library - Milstein Collection